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Long-term Debt
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Long-term Debt Long-term Debt
The Company's borrowings, including short term and long term portions consisted of the following:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Interest rate % (a)
Letters of Credit Outstanding at December 31, 2020
(In millions, except rates)
2020 Convertible Notes— 45 3.250 
2024 Senior Notes— 88 5.375 
2025 Senior Notes 600 600 5.750 
2026 Senior Notes350 350 5.000 
2028 Senior Notes850 600 4.750 
Clearway Energy LLC and Clearway Energy Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility, due 2023 (b)
— — 
L+1.50
$66 
Project-level debt:
Alpine, due 2022(e)
— 119 
L+2.00
— 
Alta Wind I-V lease financing arrangements, due 2034 and 2035800 844 
5.696- 7.015
44 
Alta Wind Asset Management LLC, due 203114 15 
L+2.50
— 
Alta Wind Realty Investments LLC, due 2031 25 27 7.000— 
 Borrego, due 2024 and 203857 60 Various
Buckthorn Solar, due 2025126 129 
L+1.750
22 
Carlsbad Holdco, due 2038210 216 4.210 
Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, due 2027 156 175 
L+1.625
63 
Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, due 2038407 407 4.120— 
CVSR, due 2037675 696 
2.339 - 3.775
— 
CVSR Holdco Notes, due 2037176 182 4.680 13 
DG-CS Master Borrower LLC, due 2040467 — 3.510 30 
Duquesne, due 205995 95 4.620 — 
El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023250 303 
L+1.875 - L+2.500
138 
Energy Center Minneapolis Series D, E, F, G, H Notes, due 2025-2037327 328 various— 
Laredo Ridge, due 202878 84 
L+2.125
10 
Kawailoa Solar Portfolio LLC, due 202681 82 
L+1.375
14 
Marsh Landing, due 2023146 206 
L+2.125
27 
NIMH Solar, due 2024191 — 
L+2.00
11 
Oahu Solar Holdings LLC, due 202689 91 
L+1.375
10 
Repowering Partnership Holdco LLC, due 2020 — 228 
L+0.85
— 
Rosie Class B LLC, due 202780 — 
L+1.75
19 
Tapestry, due 2031143 156 
L+1.375
17 
Utah Solar Holdings, due 2036290 — 3.590 11 
Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022— 254 
L+1.625
— 
Walnut Creek, due 2023126 175 
L+1.75
73 
WCEP Holdings, LLC, due 202335 39 
L+3.00
— 
Other(c)
199 264 various50 
Subtotal project-level debt5,243 5,175 
Total debt7,043 6,858 
Less current maturities(384)(1,824)
Less net debt issuance costs(79)(78)
Add premiums (d)
— 
Total long-term debt$6,585 $4,956 
(a) As of December 31, 2020, L+ equals 3 month LIBOR plus x%, except Rosie Class B, due 2027 where L+ equals 1 month LIBOR plus x%
(b) Applicable rate is determined by the borrower leverage ratio, as defined in the credit agreement
(c) December 31, 2019 includes Blythe and Roadrunner debt outstanding of $14 million and $28 million, respectively which were transferred to NIMH in the third quarter of 2020, as described below
(d) Premiums relate to the 2028 Senior Notes

The financing arrangements listed above contain certain covenants, including financial covenants that the Company is required to be in compliance with during the term of the respective arrangement. As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all of the required principal, interest, sinking fund and redemption covenants.
Clearway Energy LLC and Clearway Energy Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility
On December 20, 2019, the Company entered into the Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to provide for an increase of 0.50x to the borrower leverage ratio, as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, for the last two fiscal quarters of 2020 and to implement certain other technical modifications.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility and $66 million in letters of credit outstanding. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company borrowed $265 million under the revolving credit facility, and subsequently repaid $265 million utilizing the proceeds from the issuance of additional 2028 Senior Notes, as described below, and cash on hand. The Company had $195 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility and a total of $70 million in letters of credit outstanding as of February 26, 2021.
2028 Senior Notes
On May 21, 2020, the Company completed the issuance of an additional $250 million in aggregate principal amount of its 4.750% Senior Notes due 2028. The 2028 Senior Notes bear interest at 4.75% and mature on March 15, 2028. Interest on the 2028 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, and interest payments will commence on September 15, 2020. The 2028 Senior Notes are unsecured obligations of Clearway Energy Operating, LLC and are guaranteed by Clearway Energy, LLC and by certain of Clearway Energy Operating LLC’s wholly owned current and future subsidiaries. The notes were issued at a price of 102% of par plus accrued interest from December 11, 2019. The net proceeds were utilized to repay the $45 million outstanding principal amount of the Company's 2020 Convertible Notes on June 1, 2020, as well as to repay amounts outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes.
On December 11, 2019, the Company completed the sale of $600 million aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes due 2028. The proceeds from the 2028 Senior Notes were partially used to repay the 2024 Senior Notes, as further described below.
2020 Convertible Notes
The 2020 Convertible Notes matured on June 1, 2020 and the Company repaid the outstanding principal amount of $45 million. The repayment was funded by the issuance of the 2028 Senior Notes.
2024 Senior Notes Redemption
On January 3, 2020, the Company redeemed the $88 million aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Senior Notes that remained outstanding following the Company's tender offer for the 2024 Senior Notes in December 2019. The redemption was effectuated at a premium of 102.7% for a total consideration of $90 million and as a result, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment in the amount of $3 million, which also included the write off of previously deferred financing fees related to the 2024 Senior Notes.
2024 Senior Notes Tender Offer
On December 13, 2019, the Company repurchased an aggregate principal amount of $412 million or 82.4%, of the 2024 Senior Notes as part of the previously cash tender offer announced on December 11, 2019. Concurrently with the launch of the tender offer, the Company exercised its right to optionally redeem any 2024 Senior Notes not validly tendered and purchased in the tender offer, pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 2024 Senior Notes. The redemption of the Senior Notes due 2024 in December were effectuated at a premium of 103% for a total consideration of $424 million and as a result, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment in the amount of $12 million. In addition, the Company recorded a $2 million debt extinguishment loss in connection with the write off of the deferred financing fees related to the 2024 Senior Notes.
2019 Convertible Notes
The 2019 Convertible Notes matured on February 1, 2019 and the Company paid off the remaining balance of an aggregate principal amount of $170 million. In January 2019, the Company repurchased an aggregate principal amount of $50 million of the 2019 Convertible Notes in open market transactions. The Company repurchased an aggregate principal amount of $125 million of the 2019 Convertible Notes during 2018.
Project level Debt
PG&E Bankruptcy
On July 1, 2020, PG&E emerged from bankruptcy and assumed the Company's contracts without modification. In addition, PG&E paid to the Company's applicable projects the portion of the invoices corresponding to the electricity delivered
between January 1 and January 28, 2019. These invoices related to the pre-petition period services and any payment therefore required the approval of the Bankruptcy Court. Subsequent to PG&E's emergence from bankruptcy, the Company entered into waiver agreements with the lenders to the respective financing agreements related to the PG&E Bankruptcy.
Rosamond Central (Rosie Class B LLC)
On December 21, 2020 as part of the acquisition of Rosie TargetCo LLC, as further descried in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, the Company assumed the Amended and Restated Financing Agreement, which provided for a construction loan of up to $91 million, a cash equity bridge loan of up to $24 million and an investment tax credit loan of up to $132 million.
On December 31, 2020, Rosie Class B, LLC converted the construction loan to a $80 million term loan and repaid the investment tax credit loan of $130 million, utilizing tax equity funding. The term loan bears annual interest at a rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin, which is 1.75% per annum through the third anniversary of the term conversion, and 2.00% per annum thereafter through the maturity date of December 31, 2027. In addition, Rosie Class B LLC is party to several letter of credit facility agreements, not to exceed $23 million. As of December 31, 2020, a total of $19 million in letters of credit were outstanding.
Repowering Partnership Holdco LLC, due 2020
On June 14, 2019, as part of the Repowering Partnership, the Company entered into a financing agreement for non-recourse debt for a total commitment amount of $352 million related to the construction for the repowering activities at Wildorado and Elbow Creek. The debt consisted of a construction loan at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.85%.  The Company borrowings were utilized to repay $109 million of the outstanding balance, including accrued interest, under the Viento financing agreement, to reimburse Clearway Renew LLC for previous contributions into the Repowering Partnership and pay construction invoices.   On November 26, 2019, the construction loan of $93 million related to the repowering activities at Elbow Creek was repaid with the proceeds from the tax equity investor.  On February 7, 2020, the construction loan of $260 million related to the repowering activities at Wildorado was repaid with the proceeds from the tax equity investor.
Consolidation of DGPV Holdco 3
Upon consolidation of DGPV Holdco 3, as described in Note 5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities, the Company consolidates additional non-recourse debt for certain subsidiaries as further described below.
Renew CS4 Borrower LLC, or CS4 Borrower, a consolidated subsidiary of DGPV Holdco 3, is party to a credit agreement for construction loans up to $97 million, an investment tax credit bridge loan, or ITC bridge loan, for up to $90 million and letter of credit facilities up to $5 million. The construction loan and the ITC bridge loan both have an interest rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 2.00% per annum. As of June 30, 2020, all construction loans were converted to term loans and the ITC bridge loans were repaid in connection with tax equity funding. The term loan was repaid on November 2, 2020 with the proceeds of the term loan issued by DG-CS Master Borrower LLC, as described below.

Chestnut Borrower LLC, a consolidated subsidiary of DGPV Holdco 3, is party to a credit agreement for term loans of up to $120 million and letters of credit of up to $8 million. The loans were repaid on November 2, 2020 with the proceeds of the term loan issued by DG-CS Master Borrower LLC, as described below

DG-CS Master Borrower LLC
On November 2, 2020, DG-CS Master Borrower LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Clearway Energy Operating LLC, entered into a financing arrangement, which included the issuance of a $467 million term loan, as well as $30 million in letters of credit in support of debt service. The term loan bears interest at 3.51% and mature on September 30, 2040. The proceeds from the loan were utilized to repay existing project-level debt outstanding for Chestnut Borrower LLC, Renew Solar CS 4 Borrower LLC, DGPV 4 Borrower LLC and Puma Class B LLC of $107 million, $102 million, $92 million and $73 million, respectively and unwind related interest rate swaps in the amount of $42 million. The remaining proceeds were utilized to pay related fees and expenses and in part to acquire the Class B membership interests in the DGPV Holdco Entities and an SREC contract from CEG as further described in Note 5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities. Concurrent with the refinancing, the projects were transferred under DG-CS Master Borrower LLC and the obligations under the financing arrangement are supported by the Company's interest in the projects.
Utah Solar Holdings, LLC
On September 1, 2020, Utah Solar Holdings, LLC, or Utah Solar, entered into a financing arrangement, which included the issuance of approximately $296 million in senior secured notes supported by the Company’s interest in the Utah projects (Four Brothers, Granite Mountain and Iron Springs, previously defined as the Utah Solar Portfolio), as well as $16 million in letters of credit in support of debt service obligations. The notes bear interest at 3.59% per annum and mature on December 31, 2036. The proceeds from the issuance were utilized to repay existing debt outstanding of approximately $247 million for the Utah projects and to unwind the related interest rate swaps in the amount of $33 million. The remaining proceeds were utilized to pay related fees and expenses, with the remaining $9 million distributed to Clearway Energy Operating LLC.
NIMH Solar LLC
On September 30, 2020, the Alpine, Blythe and Roadrunner projects were transferred under NIMH Solar LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Clearway Energy Operating LLC. Concurrently, total project-level debt outstanding for Alpine, Blythe and Roadrunner of $158 million was assigned to NIMH Solar LLC. The consolidated facility was amended to a term loan for $193 million, as well as $16 million in letters of credit in support of debt service and project obligations. The term loan bears annual interest rate of LIBOR, plus an applicable margin, which is 2.00% per annum through the third anniversary of closing, and 2.125% per annum thereafter through the maturity date in September 2024. As a result of the amendment the Company received $35 million which was utilized to pay related fees and expenses and along with existing project level cash, provided a distribution to Clearway Energy Operating LLC of $45 million. The obligations under the financing arrangement are supported by the Company’s interests in the projects.

Carlsbad Drop Down Asset Debt
On December 6, 2019, as part of the Carlsbad Drop Down acquisition, as further described in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, the Company assumed $803 million of senior secured, non-recourse notes related to Carlsbad Holdco LLC and Carlsbad Energy Holding LLC. The Carlsbad Holdco LLC notes bear an interest rate of 4.21%, and are fully amortizing over 19 years. In addition, Carlsbad Holdco LLC is party to a letter of credit facility agreement with the issuing banks for an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $10 million. Fees on the unused commitment are 0.65%.
    Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC is party to a note payable agreement with financial institutions for the issuance of up to $407 million of senior secured notes that bear interest at a rate of 4.12%, and mature on October 31, 2038. Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC is also party to a term loan agreement with issuing banks for an aggregate principal amount of $194 million at an issuance rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 1.625% until February 25, 2022, 1.750% until February 25, 2025, and 1.875% until maturity. Fees on the unused commitment are 0.50%. upon completion of the project. The agreement also includes a letter of credit facility with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $83 million, and a working capital loan facility with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $4 million.
Agua Caliente Borrower 2 Debt Repayment 
    On October 21, 2019, the Company, through Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC, repaid $40 million of the outstanding notes balance, including accrued interest and premiums, issued under the Agua Caliente Holdco Financing Agreement.  The repayment was funded with Company's existing liquidity.
Duquesne University
    On May 1, 2019, as part of the Duquesne University district energy system acquisition, ECP Uptown Campus LLC issued non-recourse debt of $95 million, excluding financing fees. The debt consists of senior notes at an interest rate of 4.62% that mature on May 1, 2059. Interest on the notes are payable semi-annually in arrears. The proceeds of the debt, along with cash on hand, were utilized to fund the purchase price of the acquisition.
Oahu Solar Holdings LLC
    Due to the Company consolidating the Oahu Partnership, as further described in Note 5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities, the Company assumed non-recourse debt of $143 million related to Oahu Solar Holdings, LLC. The debt consists of a construction loan and an ITC bridge loan with a total commitment amount of $162 million, both at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.375%. On November 13, 2019, $90 million of non-recourse debt was converted to a term loan with an expected maturity of November 2026, and the remainder of the non-recourse debt was repaid with the final contribution from the tax equity investor of $67 million upon the project reaching substantial completion. Interest on the term loan is payable quarterly in arrears.
Kawailoa Solar Portfolio LLC
Due to the Company consolidating the Kawailoa Partnership, as further described in Note 5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities, the Company assumed non-recourse debt of $120 million related to Kawailoa Solar Portfolio, LLC. The debt consists of a construction loan and an ITC bridge loan, with a total commitment amount of $137 million both at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.375%.  On December 23, 2019, $82 million of non-recourse debt was converted to a term loan with an expected maturity of December 2026, and the remainder of the non-recourse debt was repaid with the final contribution from the tax equity investor of $57 million upon the project reaching substantial completion.  Interest on the term loan is payable quarterly in arrears.
South Trent Refinancing
On June 14, 2019, the Company, through South Trent Wind LLC, refinanced $49 million of non-recourse debt due 2020 at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.625% by issuing $46 million of new non-recourse financing due 2028 at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.350%.
Tapestry Refinancing
On April 29, 2019, the Company, through Tapestry Wind LLC, refinanced $147 million of non-recourse debt due 2021 at interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.75% by issuing $164 million of new non-recourse financing due 2031 at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.375%. 
Interest Rate Swaps Project Financings
Many of the Company's project subsidiaries entered into interest rate swaps, intended to hedge the risks associated with interest rates on non-recourse project level debt. These swaps amortize in proportion to their respective loans and are floating for a fixed rate where the project subsidiary pays its counterparty the equivalent of a fixed interest payment on a predetermined notional value and will receive quarterly the equivalent of a floating interest payment based on the same notional value. All interest rate swap payments by the project subsidiary and its counterparty are made quarterly and the LIBOR is determined in advance of each interest period.
The following table summarizes the swaps, some of which are forward starting as indicated, related to the Company's project level debt as of December 31, 2020:
% of PrincipalFixed Interest RateFloating Interest RateNotional Amount at December 31, 2020 (In millions)Effective DateMaturity Date
Avra Valley87 %2.33 %3-Month LIBOR38 November 30, 2012November 30, 2030
Alta Wind Asset Management100 %2.47 %3-Month LIBOR14 May 22, 2013May 15, 2031
Borrego100 %0.476 %3-Month LIBOR13 June 30, 2020December 31, 2024
Buckthorn Solar82 %Various3-Month LIBOR103 February 28, 2018December 31, 2041
Carlsbad100 %Various 3-Month LIBOR156 VariousSeptember 30, 2027
El Segundo100 %Various 3-Month LIBOR250 VariousVarious
Kansas South75 %2.368 %6-Month LIBOR17 June 28, 2013December 31, 2030
Kawailoa Solar94 %Various 3-Month LIBOR76 November 30, 2019October 31, 2040
Laredo Ridge100 %Various 3-Month LIBOR78 December 17, 2014December 31, 2028
Marsh Landing100 %Various 3-Month LIBOR146 June 28, 2013June 30, 2023
NIMH Solar LLC100 %Various 3-Month LIBOR191 September 30, 2020Various
Oahu Solar96 %Various 3-Month LIBOR86 November 30, 2019October 31, 2040
Rosie Class B95 %1.446 %3-Month LIBOR76 December 31, 2020July 29, 2044
South Trent90 %3.847 %3-Month LIBOR35 June 14, 2019June 30, 2028
Tapestry 75 %Various 3-Month LIBOR107 VariousVarious
Tapestry50 %3.57 %3-Month LIBOR12 December 21, 2021December 21, 2029
Viento Funding II100 %3.03 %6-Month LIBOR33 VariousVarious
Viento Funding II100 %4.985 %6-Month LIBOR21 July 11, 2023June 30, 2028
Walnut Creek Energy90 %3.543 %3-Month LIBOR114 June 28, 2013May 31, 2023
WCEP Holdings100 %4.003 %3-Month LIBOR34 June 28, 2013May 31, 2023
Total$1,600 
Annual Maturities
Annual payments based on the maturities of the Company's debt, for the years ending after December 31, 2020, are as follows:
 (In millions)
2021$384 
2022407 
2023431 
2024359 
2025934 
Thereafter4,528 
Total$7,043